Myrtle3a

William shot up like a jumping bean and ran to join the Gryffindor table, where everybody was cheering him. The Gryffindors continued to cheer as Rebecca Hogan, Sara Jackson, Martin Matthews, Rami Papadum, Alanna Quince and Joanne Taylor all joined them.

Finally, they came to the last name on the list, Victor Weasley. Victor, by now, was very, very nervous. He walked timidly over to the stool and glanced at the teacher’s table on his way. Professor Mancini gave him an encouraging smile. He proceeded to sit down and place the hat on his head. In no less than two seconds it cried,

“Gryffindor!”

Antoinette and Myrtle jumped out of their seats, whistling and cheering for Victor. He raced over to join them and the rest of the Gryfffindor house. In the excitement of it all, the entire school failed to see that Professor Black had got to his feet. He pulled out his wand and shot silver stars into the air, which shocked them all into place. They turned around to face him.

It was strange to see Professor Black looking so happy. He was generally very stern. It was rumoured that he had been a murderer, but Harry had told Myrtle not to believe a word of it, it was all codswallop. Myrtle lifted her head up and her eyes met those of Professor Black’s. She was sure she detected a twinkle in those usually hollow black eyes. He began to speak.

“Welcome. Welcome to you all. It is so nice to have all of you here for another year of learning at Hogwarts. Before we commence our delicious feast, I have a few minor words to say. The Forbidden Forest, as usual, is out of bounds. I don’t want to catch any of you venturing out there this year.” His eyes again met Myrtle’s. This time there was no twinkle. “Mr. Filch would like me to inform you that products from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes Joke Shop are strictly forbidden in the corridors. But,” he said in a much lighter note “Please feel free to use them whilst in your common rooms, class rooms and the Great Hall. Although, I had a rather nasty experience last year when some person exchanged my custard tart for a canary cream. I don’t think yellow is my colour.
I would like to introduce to you the two new professors who will be teaching at Hogwarts this year. Professor Alethea Mancini is to replace Professor Cecil as Potions mistress. Also, I am proud to introduce you to your new Charms master, Professor Bill Weasley. He is here to replace Professor Flitwick who departed with Professor Cecil so that they could be married. Now, Let us feast!”

Myrtle and Antoinette were so excited. They didn’t know that Bill would be teaching. Bill was Ron’s eldest brother and used to work in Egypt as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizard Bank. He was very, very, cool.

The magical plates filled with food and students began to eat ravenously. Everybody made pigs of themselves on the Gryffindor table and had five helpings of dessert! When they were so full that their robes were bulging, Professor Black rose again.

“Let us sing the school song. Then it’s off to bed with all of you. You have had a long journey and are all undoubtedly, very tired.”

Once they finished the school song. (Sung to any tune you like.) The school pushed out of the Great Hall and ventured off to their various common rooms. The portrait of the Fat Lady was awaiting the Gryffindors, and the new head boy, Cameron Wood, came up bearing the new password, “Spew.” Myrtle went red at this because she knew that they were making fun of her mother’s attempt to liberate the house elves that worked at Hogwarts. She had created a club, “Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare.” Needless to say, it wasn’t too popular.

The Gryffindors clambered through the portrait hole, said their goodnights, and went off to their dormitories. All too tired to talk, they pulled on their pyjamas and nightgowns, climbed into bed and fell asleep before the house elves had time to re-stoke the fire.